3 Common Stress Triggers (and the Quick Response Actions Needed To Shut Them Down)

Stressful situations like meeting deadlines and socializing with new people can cause anxiety and tension. While it’s normal to feel stress every now and then, prolonged bouts of worry negatively impact health. Symptoms vary for each person, but issues like difficulty concentrating and reduced quality and/or quantity of sleep are often associated with stress. The result: You have a hard time staying relaxed, focused, and productive throughout the day. Fortunately, you can pinpoint stress triggers so they don’t get the best of you. Here are three natural and effective remedies for relieving stress quickly.

To Alleviate Small Talk Stress: Take CBD

If talking with new people makes you nervous, consider trying CBD products. Research published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology examined the benefits of taking CBD to manage generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD). In the study, 24 participants with SAD took either 600 milligrams of CBD or a placebo prior to taking a public speaking test. The results: Participants taking CBD beforehand had significantly less anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort in their speech performance than the placebo group.

To Quel Cravings: Sip Holy Basil Tea

For folks who snack when tense, try holy basil tea. A 2012 study suggests that the herb’s stress-relieving effects could be credited to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Easing stress also lowers bothersome symptoms like emotional eating, as it’s triggered by spikes in cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.”

Tip: Use your favorite cup or mug to turn tea time into a calm-boosting ritual. Researchers reporting in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B theorize that ritualized behaviors help decrease anxiety because they provide the brain with structure, predictability, and regularity. “That is what these rituals do — they act like life hacks for us,” co-author Dimitris Xygalatas, PhD, said in a statement.

To Improve Sleep: Try Ashwagandha

To quiet racing thoughts, take ashwagandha before bed. Research published in the journal Cureus found that participants who took ashwagandha root extract every day for eight weeks had reduced cortisol levels. As a result, these participants reported better quality sleep than those who didn’t take the extract. Another study in Cureus suggests that ashwagandha has potential sleep-boosting and anxiety-reducing benefits for people with insomnia. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm this effect.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.